BLOG: Richardson Shakes Up Defensive Pairing

During Monday's morning skate, the Blackhawks displayed new defensive pairs and renewed overall focus.

Good Things Come in Pairs

With a thumb injury continuing to sideline Seth Jones, head coach Luke Richardson tested out new defensive combinations. He paired Jack Johnson with Caleb Jones and Jake McCabe alongside Filip Roos.
"[It's the] same thing as up front," said Richardson on the changes. "We got to try certain things to see what really works, and it's always easy to go back to what we had. Tonight, we got a very fast team and it's good to put combinations in there that work well together - whether it be more defensive driving with a more offensive guy to balance it out."
For Johnson, the new shakeups doesn't affect the way things play out.
"You know it really doesn't matter," said Johnson on the switch in defensive partners. "There's things where you get to know a player: his tendencies and predictability. But again, you don't change too much in the way you play. You might take a bit more of a predictable approach for your partner if you're not familiar with him, but other than that [the defensive pairings] doesn't change anything."

Tyler Johnson Closer to Return

Tyler Johnson practiced with the team for the first time since suffering an ankle sprain in late October. Tyler had an electric start to the season, scoring six points (2H, 4A) in his first four games this season.
"It's kind of tough to try to gauge where you're at when it's really just skating on the ice by [yourself]," Tyler said. "So, we'll get a little bit more practice, and then maybe I'll know later on."
Tyler stated that his timetable is still unkown but Richardson is focused on him joining practices to help rebuild his strength.
"[Tyler] said he doesn't tape [his ankle] and that he likes to go where he can feel a little bit of the pain and engage on that," said Richardson. "We've got to get him into a few practices. He's got to strengthen that ankle a little more [before he plays]."

Richardson's Real Talk

With a lineup in flux this season due to injuries and other roster considerations, the Blackhawks locker room noted that Luke Richardson's calm and straight forward demeanor provides a well appreciated sense of stability for the players.
"He's a great guy to have in a locker room," said Tyler. "He has tons of experience as a season, but also as a coach. He knows the ebbs and flows of a season and how things are. I think it started in training camp where we're working on structural things [where] we know where each other are supposed to be."
Toews pointed to the first-year head coach's calm presence after heading into the second period of Saturday's game against Anaheim. The team was trailing 2-1 and the captain noted his straight-forward approach to help the team rally to a 3-2 victory.
"[Richardson] has that presence," said Jonathan Toews. "He came in the locker room after a not-so-great first period against Anaheim the other day. He didn't scream and yell and get emotional. He just was stern [and] demanded more from us. Then we went out there and played better and responded."
Richardson touched on his own 21 season playing career in delivering his message to the team.
"The reality is if you can't get over your mental hurdles to be prepared mentally, you won't be in this league long. I said 'That's not a threat from me, that's just the reality of it.' I just want to make sure they know that before it's too late."